“We’re seeing more people surviving cancer, which is an incredibly positive story to tell. The report shows that the focus from Welsh Government on improving cancer services is really paying off, and more people are living longer and better lives after cancer. However, with one in two of us expected to develop cancer at some point in our lifetime, it is essential our health service can diagnose cancer earlier to ensure people live longer.

“It is also vital that the Welsh public continue to be educated about how lifestyle choices and making the effort to take exercise makes a real difference to their likelihood of developing cancer and how it can be prevented. Tenovus Cancer Care’s health check raises awareness of how lifestyle choices and symptom awareness can have a huge impact on the incidence and survival rates of cancer.

“We would welcome further analysis of performance at a health board level to really understand the parts of Wales that require more focus. The key message to our politicians is to not take their foot off the gas in driving change. Improving access to diagnostic facilities and challenging the business as usual mentality will help save lives. Welsh Government must continue to judge its success against the international community, learning from countries like Denmark and Finland in creating a healthier and happier society.”